Oakland University School of Education and Human Services

10/15/2026

We are saddened to announce the passing of Dr. James “Jim” Cipielewski, beloved professor emeritus and former associate dean of the School of Education and Human Services.

​A proud Golden Grizzly, Jim earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from Oakland University, where he spent much of his illustrious career teaching in the Department of Reading and Language Arts from 1994 until his retirement in 2019.​ Throughout his ​2​5-year tenure at OU, Jim also served as associate dean of SEHS and was an active member of the university’s AAUP chapter, serving as both treasurer and president. Among his many professional accomplishments, he received the International Reading Association’s Honorary Dissertation of the Year award in 1992.

​Jim’s impact on OU extended far beyond the classroom. A ​pillar of Pawley Hall, he was deeply passionate about children’s literature and the artwork that brings it to life, which he and his wife — Distinguished Professor Emerita Linda Pavonetti — shared with the SEHS community, enriching the lives of students and colleagues alike. Above all, Jim was passionate about his students, leaving a lasting impression on generations of learners. In the days following his passing, former students have shared heartfelt messages reflecting on the profound impact he had on their lives.

Jim will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and unwavering commitment to​ education. Our thoughts are with ​Linda and all of his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.​

Read Jim’s obituary to learn more about his life and legacy: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/rochester-mi/james-cipielwski-13070700

10/13/2026

Interested in becoming a teacher or human resource expert? It’s not too late to register for this Friday’s Education and Human Services Day! 📆

Whether you’re interested in teaching at the early childhood, elementary, middle or high school level, or pursuing a career in HR, you’ll have the opportunity to explore our academic programs, connect with faculty and learn about admission requirements, scholarships and financial aid.

Don’t miss your chance to discover what’s possible at Oakland University! 🔜 Register today at the link in our bio!

10/07/2026

Last week, Oakland University welcomed representatives from teacher preparation programs across Michigan for the latest Deans and Representatives of Teacher Education Programs (DARTEP) Conference. 🤝

DARTEP brings together leaders from the Michigan Department of Education and university-based teacher preparation programs across the state to connect, collaborate and discuss the future of teacher education in Michigan. 💡 The day included remarks from SEHS Dean Jon Margerum-Leys and Associate Dean Darlene Groomes, along with opportunities for attendees to learn more about teacher preparation at Oakland University. Guests also had the option to tour our Educational Resources Lab and Lowry Center for Early Childhood Education. 📚

Thank you to our colleagues from across the state for joining us — we were so glad to host you!

10/06/2026

What a great day at Go for the Gold! 💛

We were excited to welcome prospective students and their families to​ Oakland University this past weekend to share more about our undergraduate programs in elementary, secondary and early childhood education, and human resource development. Guests also had the opportunity to hear from current SEHS students about their experiences, ask questions about life at ​O​U and t​our Pawley Hall with our faculty and deans.

​Thank you to all the families who spent their Saturday with us! 🐻​ We hope to see you back on campus soon.

10/05/2026

10/05/2026

Two days to go! ⏰ There’s still time to register for the Oakland University School of Education and Human Services Virtual Graduate Open House this Wednesday, October 7!

Whether you’re looking to advance your career in education, counseling or organizational leadership, this event is a great opportunity to explore our world-class graduate programs, connect with faculty and have all your questions answered. Attend a 30-minute program session featuring program coordinators and an Oakland University Graduate School representative to learn more about your program of interest, the application process and financial aid — plus, you’ll have the opportunity to compete for one of six $3,000 scholarships, available exclusively to event attendees! 💵

Take the next step toward your future. 🔜 Register today through the link in our bio!

10/02/2026

Now accepting applications for the next cohort of the OU Leadership Development Institute! Build real-world leadership skills, connect with industry professionals and compete for scholarship awards.

Open to students from , Oakland University School of Engineering and Computer Science, and Oakland University School of Education and Human Services.

Apply by October 31: https://ow.ly/vUvV50ZTXhM

10/01/2026

Mark your calendars, Golden Grizzlies — Homecoming is just one week away! 📆

SEHS alumni, join us at Oakland University on October 8–10 to reconnect with old friends, celebrate your OU experience and rediscover what it means to belong to the Golden Grizzly community. 🐻 From alumni reunions to Oktoberfest, there are plenty of ways to come together and celebrate Homecoming Weekend across campus!

For more information, including a full schedule and event registration, visit oakland.edu/homecoming. We hope to see you soon! 💛

09/30/2026

Ready to discover your future? 🔎 Join us next Wednesday, October 7 from 3–7 p.m. for the Oakland University School of Education and Human Services Virtual Graduate Open House!

Explore our graduate programs through individual 30-minute Zoom sessions featuring program faculty and a Graduate School representative. 💻 You’ll learn more about the program, application process and financial aid — and have the opportunity to ask questions. Plus, six $3,000 scholarships will be available exclusively to Virtual Graduate Open House attendees! 💵

Your next chapter starts here. Reserve your spot today: https://gradapply.oakland.edu/portal/vgoh2026

09/29/2026

Rounding out our series of Pinning Ceremony posts, we’re highlighting the hopes and aspirations of our newest future teachers. 🍎

From inspiring young minds and making a difference to helping children feel safe and fostering a love of learning, our students have big aspirations for their future careers in education. 📝 We can’t wait to see them turn those aspirations into action!